Q: Dear Seymour, I am a college student full time. Money is hard to come by. Is there a legit online job or something of that nature I could do to earn extra cash? So many scams out there its hard to tell which ones are real. Any suggestions?
- Submitted by Anonymous
A: Dear College Student,
This is a common problem among full time students, finding time to earn extra money. You are right, many online jobs are either scams, or not what they appear to be according to the job posting. So it's true, you do have to be careful. It's important to understand that most online jobs are probably going to be aggressive sales jobs, which not everyone is cut out for. Not to mention the chance you take of getting involved with outfits that send email spam.
Many people looking to make extra turn to services such as Amazon or eBay to sell items they no longer needs. Perhaps old text books, or used CDs that are just collecting dust. Online sales can definitely get you cash fast, but it can also be time consuming with having to ship items to buyers.
Although you are taking classes full time, you might still have more time than you think to pick up a part-time job, or one with flexible scheduling to accommodate school schedules. Try looking on campus. Sometimes jobs are open for students to work in administrative offices, bookstores, or on-campus restaurants. This offers you a convenience factor, and managers understand the need to adhere to school schedules. Not only do you earn some income, but you have a good start to your resume.
One other idea is to find an internship associated with your degree. Again, you will find flexible scheduling, but make sure to look for paid internships or at least one that offers a stipend to take care of some of your financial stress.
If you find that you are too strapped to continue a full school schedule, you might want to consider cutting down your class schedule and selecting a part-time job in retail or an office. This will help you resist the temptation of using your credit cards to live. Although this may delay your graduation a bit, or put you in a position to attend summer school, at least you can keep credit card debt ay bay.
Hope these suggestions help you find something that works. Best of luck!
Q: Dear Seymour, I've been hearing a lot of debate lately about whether or not job boards truly are effective in finding and landing a job. I am currently job searching and would appreciate any insight you may have to offer. Thanks!
- Submitted by Rohan Vargas, Las Vegas, NV
A: Dear Rohan,
Yes, the debate over the effectiveness of job boards is not dying down anytime soon. However, as a job seeker, your best rule of thumb is to use all your job search techniques - which most certainly should include job boards. Online recruitment is a $6 billion industry so it certainly must have some level of effectiveness.
Most job seekers use an average of five different job boards to look for their next opportunity, and that should include using a couple "big boards" like CareerBuilder.com or Monster.com, as well as specialty or niche boards within your profession.
Also, keep in mind that not all job boards are considered equal. Here are the results of a recent survey by Weddles, a major U.S. publisher of print guides to Internet job hunting, where actual job hunters, employers and recruiters rank their favorite job boards:
For a ranking of niche job boards, visit www.weddles.com.
So remember, job boards should definitely be on your "job search" to do list. Just be sure to avoid putting all your eggs in one basket. In addition to job boards, you should be networking, seeking employee referrals, contacting recruiters, and scouring print classifieds.
"We don't mean to burst your bubble, but securing an interview is the easy part. For every one job opening, you can be sure there are more than a handful of workers vying for it. The real challenge is to ace the interview and land the job. So how do you make sure you're the one they remember? Three words: prepare, prepare, prepare."
"Internships provide an invaluable way to gain real-world experience and apply the skills you've learned in the classroom to a work environment. As important, internships can kick-start your climb up the career ladder. A recent survey by Experience, Inc. found that 54% of employers view their internship program as a pipeline for new hires. Do you have an internship success story? Tell us about it.
Q: Dear Seymour, I recently became a manager for the first time, and now find myself facing my first big presentation! Any advice on how to prepare?
- Submitted by Lyla Sulian, Oakbrook, IL
A: Dear Lyla,
For some, preparing for a presentation is a process that is easy and painless, while for others, it's just painful torture. Most of us fall somewhere in between. It's inevitable that one day you would have to make a presentation at work. There are certain tools, tips and techniques you can use to deliver a memorable and effective presentation - the key is learning how to use them to your maximum advantage. Here are a few tips to ensure you deliver a stellar first presentation:
- Effective visuals. Whatever your visuals are - posters, charts, PowerPoint, slides - keep them simple and don't put too many words on them. The audience is there to listen to you present, not to read your visuals.
- Good eye contact. Look at your audience. Don't single out one person, but instead try to make eye contact with numerous people. This allows you to engage the audience.
- Delivery. Pace yourself - try not to speed up when you speak. Keep your points as short and simple as possible. Speak to the audience, not at them and not at your visual aids. Speak clearly and loudly enough for all to hear. Use inflection, not a monotone voice. Do not use "uhms or ahs." Show some gestures when speaking. People are more engaged with an animated speaker.
- Practice, practice, practice. After you've gotten your written materials and visuals ready, practice in front of a willing audience (friends, family), a mirror, or video yourself. However, don't over prepare. If you rehearse your presentation too much, it will sound like it. You want to sound natural, not as if it's memorized.
- Just breathe. The simple act of breathing properly before you start and during your presentation can give you a better sense of clarity and focus. Get a good night's rest, drink enough water, and stretching beforehand may help ensure you're feeling your best when you present.
Allow for extra time at the end of your presentation for questions and discussion. Prepare in advance answers to some possible questions. Most importantly, don't be too hard on yourself if you didn't meet every expectation. If you believe you gave it your best shot, pat yourself on the back. Look for ways you can improve for the next time you make a presentation. With each one you do, you will improve and the easier presentations will become.
Q: Dear Seymour, I'm ready to take the next step in my career and therefore have been looking for a new job over the past several months. A close friend of mine thinks I may be pursuing jobs that are too far out of my league, but I want to stretch myself. Any advice?
- Submitted by Darrell Etgar, Chattanooga, TN
A: Dear Darrell,
For aggressive and confident career-minded adults like yourself, the pursuit of the next rung in the corporate ladder means landing an opportunity that stretches your abilities, and at the same time, your pocketbook. While it is possible to land a job that you can "grow into," you should be wary of the potential pitfalls of seeking a stretch job that in the end may be out of your league. Here are some things to consider:
- Is it a stretch or a breaking point?
Your first step is to evaluate whether a potential job is just enough of a stretch or way out of your league. If the position you are seeking is going to require skills you don't have, determine a realistic timeframe of your learning curve.
Will you be able to acquire the needed skills to be successful within 30 days? 60 days? Are there training classes you can take or friends willing to mentor you in order to speed up the learning curve? If the skills you'll need to turn in a stellar performance can't be mastered within 30 days, then chances are the position is out of your league.
- Stretching the truth on your resume means you're stretching too far.
Another glaring sign that indicates you're seeking a job that's out of your league is stretching the truth on your resume. If your resume is filled with little "white lies" that embellish your experience and abilities, you're likely headed for disaster.
In fact, your dreams could get squashed before you even land the job. For example, you may have listed a technical skill on your resume that in reality, you've only dabbled in, only to be surprised with an assessment test during your interview.
- Start stretching before you leap.
If you're even considering looking for a stretch opportunity, it's safe to assume you aren't growing or being challenged in your current role. But before you trade in your old job for a more stimulating one, identify any gaps between your current skill set and what will be required at more advanced-level positions.
Are there gaps you can begin to close while you are still on the job? For example, if you are seeking a management position but don't have any experience supervising others, consider volunteering to lead a committee or hire an intern. While not formal managerial functions, they will give you a chance to better prepare yourself to take on a supervisory role, and serve as examples to reference during your pursuit for the stretch role.
Before you find yourself in a situation where you go to work every day on pins and needles, wondering when your colleagues or boss will "find you out," make sure you've truly evaluated whether that dream job is an achievable stretch or one that will stretch you to the breaking point.
The Temp Life, Spherion's original Web-based series, recounts each of your melodramatic and all too often tragic temp stories. In this episode, Mark, an actor between gigs, is faced with the reality of his craft. Remember: the world may be your theater, but a temp job is not your stage!
Don't let your career get confused for comic relief. Let us know if you've ever been in a similar situation and how you've handled it. We might even pay you $100 for your story. Want to catch up on other Temp Life episodes? Click here to access the Temp Life channel. That's The Temp Life ... now get back to work! (Curtain call - exit stage left)
"A survey conducted by the National Sleep Foundation reported that nearly one-third of workers have slept on the job. Perhaps because on average, workers receive 40 minutes less sleep then what they need to be effective, many companies now allow short naps during the day. Do you snooze on the job? Let us know...
Q: Dear Seymour, As Spring is in the air, I'm feeling like it might be time to do a little "spring cleaning" of my life. I feel like I'm unorganized and not as productive as I'd like to be in all aspects of my life, including my career. How can I bring more organization to my world?
- Submitted by Gayle Kahkrin, Hickory, NC
A: Dear Gayle,
Many times we find ourselves being very busy in our personal and professional lives, but not very productive. That generally means you've overextended yourself and need to take a step back and bring some organization to the chaos. Here are some tips on doing just that:
De-Clutter. First, try to remove items that perpetuate a chaotic environment, such as clutter, disorganization, non-used or broken items, and even a busy calendar. Really evaluate your work and personal calendars and eliminate tasks or obligations that are a waste of time or that aren't in line with your priorities. Have the courage to say "no" to unproductive uses of your time. This includes decluttering your work space. If you don't need it or use it, get rid of it. Instead of wasting time looking for files on your computer, arrange a file management system so you can quickly find what you need. Eliminate clutter from your desk.
Take control of your schedule. Once you've eliminated non-important commitments or tasks, now plan and manage your time to your advantage. This means staying focused on completing those tasks that are essential to achieving your goals. Every morning, proactively identify the important tasks for the day, and then specify what must be completed, what can be delegated and even what could be deleted. Be realistic about how many you can actually accomplish in a day. Cross off items as you complete them. Most importantly, schedule in free time to unwind, regroup with family and loved ones and focus on what's really important in your life.
Control your day. Net surfing, reading emails, co-workers who pop in to chat or making personal calls are time bandits. Save net surfing for after hours. For emails, set blocks of time specifically to manage email messages. Create an electronic filing cabinet similar to a physical one with folders to organize them. Let coworkers know that unless their needs are an emergency, you'll speak with them later during a break in the day. Personal calls should be made only during your personal time. Reduce distractions that absorb your time.
Know the time of day you are at your best. Use those better periods of the day to spend on the toughest tasks you need to accomplish. Leave the easier ones for the times when you are less energetic. For example, if you are a morning person, try to schedule an important meeting in the morning.
Getting organized often gets put on the back burner because more pressing issues need attention first. Start now. By getting organized, you can convert the time you may be wasting into time that can be used more productively.
Q: Dear Seymour, I have just completed the LSAT, but because of my mediocre score, among other things, I am preparing for the GMAT, with the goal of getting my masters in HR Management. I want to get hired by a larger company whom would pay for my Law School (in the relative field to the company--ie International Law, employment law etc). I am extremely money motivated and enjoy fast-paced work environment. I have a great resume for law, but no work experience in HR and little in Management. WHAT SHOULD I DO?!?!?! Go to Law school NOW or later??
- Submitted by Amanda
A: Dear Amanda,
I applaud you for your ambitious goals and for having zeroed in on what motivates you. But, I have a sneaking suspicion that you might assume that obtaining a law degree means you are set for a job in any field. But if you truly have a vested interest in the HR Management field, I would suggest opting for work experience first and a law degree later.
There is a misconception out there that the more education you have, the easier it is to find a job. However, nothing compares to work experience to give you a foundation for a solid career, and employers will be more comfortable hiring you if you can apply "real world" experience to your resume, in addition to your degrees.
Since you mentioned that you are pursuing your graduate degree in HR Management, you might consider working an internship or part-time job in the HR field while in school. If that's not feasible, or your schedule doesn't work out I would still suggest getting some work experience before working on a law degree.
Keep in mind that having well-rounded work experience is a plus, so once you do obtain your law degree, you might find that it's not for you. If that's the case, you can always go back into human resources, and you would have the experience to do so.
The saga continues... The Temp Life, Spherion's original web-based series, recounts each of your worst temporary job stories. In this episode, Laura is faced with the likely predicament of an ill-prepared office. To the outside world, these nightmarish, horror-like scenarios are mildly entertaining... even laughable. That is, until it happens to you!
Don't let your career get confused for comic relief. Let us know if you've ever been in a similar situation and how you've handled it. We might even pay you $100 for your story. Want to catch up on other Temp Life episodes? Click here to access the Temp Life channel. That's The Temp Life... now get back to work!
Q: Dear Seymour, I'm about to embark upon a new job search and my friends and colleagues all have different advice about what techniques/venues work best. What are the best ways to job search?
- Submitted by Maureen Shiring, San Diego, CA
A: Dear Maureen,
While there are a number of ways to job search, it is important to pay attention to trends in this area in order to tailor your efforts towards those methods that give you the highest return. For example, technology has certainly impacted the way candidates are securing job opportunities these days. Job seekers seem to be having success with the Internet.
Spherion places thousands of workers in jobs each year. We recently tracked the job search techniques and methods used by nearly 300 of those candidates. We found that 43 percent of active job search candidates learned about their next career opportunity using the Internet, 13 percent through posting their resume, 25 percent through online published job openings, and 5 percent through email and online networking.
It is always good practice to utilize all job searching methods available because you never know which might deliver - career fairs, networking, recruiters, classifieds, etc.
You might also visit Spherion's Candidate Career Center, an informative and user-friendly web portal that can help workers manage their job search. Check it out.
As you'll see, advice and tools are available for job seekers under the resources (insert link to this page) section, including how to:
- Write resumes that stand out from the crowd with Spherion's resume-building functionality
- Develop a network of contacts that will create future career opportunities
And, while you're there, take advantage of the thousands of job opportunities Spherion has available by applying online, anytime, 24/7.
Q: Dear Seymour, I know the importance of maintaining a balance between my personal life and my career. But, I just can't seem to stop thinking about work, no matter how hard I try. Could I be a workaholic?
- Submitted by Nathan Streets, Springfield, Mass
A: Dear Nathan,
Workaholism is a serious condition in which a person has an overriding compulsion to work, so much so that it begins to undermine their personal relationships. It should not be taken lightly. Workaholics are not just people who work hard. They generally never stop physically or mentally working, always put work at the top of their priority list, and enjoy working more than anything else. Here are a few signs to watch for that can help determine whether you work to live or live to work:
You Excessively Talk About Work. If you find that even during the most social and entertaining events outside of the office, you're still constantly bringing up subjects of work, this could indicate a problem. Furthermore, if you feel uncomfortable or bored with conversing about any other subject besides work, this too is a sign of trouble.
You find it Difficult, Near Impossible, to Delegate. Workaholics simply can't or don't delegate because of the difficulty in giving up control. If you feel strongly that the work doesn't get done correctly unless you do it yourself, and prefer to handle everything yourself, you may be a workaholic.
You have a Strained Personal Life. Often, people who are workaholics don't maintain a lot of friendships or participate in sports and hobbies. In fact, the University of North Carolina published research that found couples in a workaholic marriage tended to have twice the divorce rate as those who were in non-workaholic marriages. This may be because a workaholic will consistently choose work over family, whether it is missing a child's big sports event or working on the night of your wedding anniversary.
You Neglect or Forget Non-Work Obligations. Many workaholics spend all their time focusing on work-related tasks and appointments that they frequently forget about basic household obligations, such as laundry, dishes or mowing the lawn. Important health-related appointments like teeth cleaning or doctor visits are overlooked time and again.
If you're unsure about whether you fall into the workaholic camp, pay attention to these signs and honestly assess your own behavior. Also, take note of comments made by family or co-workers. Do they remark on how much time you spend at work or doing work? Most importantly, remember that the sooner you identify any workaholic tendencies, the faster you can manage them and begin making up for lost personal time.
Q: Dear Seymour, I will be transitioning from the military to civilian sector in about a year. I have filled many different positions during my time in the military and really don't know what I should set as a career choice. I have an AA and certified Six Sigma (green belt) Lean Masters. Are there many jobs out there for me?
- Submitted by Job Hunter
A: Dear Job Hunter,
Congratulations on you military service, and welcome back to civilian life! Clearly, you have a wealth of experience in a variety of areas, and with your education and Six Sigma achievements, you are primed for a new job.
Although you mention that you are unsure about your choice for a career because you have a variety of experiences, you may have an advantage in choosing from a variety of career opportunities.
Here are a couple of suggestions to help you narrow down your choices.
First of all, visit with a career services or transition counselor at your base or installation. They can provide you with an assessment test of what you are best at doing. This can be a turning point for you to narrow in on not only what you are good at, but what you enjoy doing as well.
Second, some employers have military transition positions specifically for those who are looking for civilian work. Conduct some research about military-friendly employers, keeping in mind that they may not only be a potential employer for you, but they probably also allow for you to remain in the reserves, and continue your duty if you choose.
Lastly, you may also want to try working with a staffing or recruitment company. Not only can they help you assess your skills similar to a career counselor, but if you are still undecided about a permanent career, or you are having a difficult time finding a job you are interested in pursing, they can offer you temporary job assignments that can help you get back into the groove of the civilian job market.
Temporary work may also help you decide what type of work you are interested in.
Q: Dear Seymour, I am currently searching for a job and I'm finding a lot of employers ask for resumes to be sent via email. I'm confused about whether I need to include a cover letter, and if so, how do I make it e-friendly?
- Submitted by Hilde Thomas, Breckinridge, CO
A: Dear Hilde,
It is becoming increasingly more prevalent for resumes to be sent via email to potential employers. Email boosts the efficiency of the traditionally time-consuming job search process, but it also presents new challenges. Though there are some differences sending resumes via email rather than through the mail, don't think you can get away without including a cover letter. Here are some tips for making your cover letter ready to send at the click of a mouse:
- Maximize your subject line. Don't ever leave the subject line of your email blank or waste it by just inserting the job number. Use it to entice the employer into your cover letter. For example: "high-tech product-marketing executive for director of marketing."
- Short and sweet. Online cover letters don't need to be as lengthy as traditional cover letters, but their basic elements should remain the same. Keep it to two concise paragraphs or under 150 words. Hook your employer in the first paragraph. It should not be any longer than one screen in length. However, use standard cover letter protocol - salutation, standard closing, blank lines between paragraphs, etc.
- Use keywords. Include keywords pertinent to the position because your cover letter may be filed into a database. Using critical keywords will enhance the likelihood that your cover letter and resume will be retrieved in a future search.
- Insert rather than attach. Paste your cover letter in the body of the email. You can always make the notation "hard copy to follow."
- Remove formatting. Use plain text - black font, normal size and typeface (i.e. 10 point, Arial or Times Roman) on a white background. Practice sending it via email to yourself and a friend who uses a different Internet service provider to ensure the letter is clean and professional-looking.
- Always proofread. Never hit "send" without thoroughly spell checking and proofreading your email cover letter. Surveys show that just one typo is enough for hiring managers to eliminate a candidate for consideration. Let another set of eyes read your letter to recheck for content and style. Make sure that what you send by email is something you'd want printed out and shown to a prospective employer.
No matter how your cover letter is sent, it should be clear, concise and professional looking. Use email as a tool to your advantage - employers often prefer it, it's faster, and demonstrates your technology skills.
"Have you ever wondered if your new cubicle mate may also be your soul mate? According to Spherion research, 36% of U.S. workers would consider dating a coworker if they were single, and 39% have had a workplace romance already. Tell us your office romance story...
Q: Dear Seymour, I use Instant Messaging a lot while I'm at work. Most of the time its work-related but occasionally I have IM chats with my girlfriend, who happens to work for the same company I do. Should I worry about doing this? How private is IM?
- Submitted by Anderson Tribels, Denton, Texas
A: Dear Anderson,
First let me assure you that you're not alone. A recent study by the AMA and ePolicy Institute found that 35 percent of employees use IM at work. More concerning is their finding that 24 percent of employees use ill-advised content including jokes, gossip, rumors, and disparaging remarks and another 10 percent reference sexual, romantic and pornographic in their chats.
The general rule of thumb about Instant Messaging (IM) or any other electronic communication is if you don't want it to be public, don't write it. Many workers mistakenly believe that their IM chats are private, and only seen by themselves and their fellow chatter. When, in fact, there are several entities that can be "saving" the contents of your chat. For example, the person you're talking to can be logging the chat, your computer can be logging the conversation, and third parties such as your IM provider can save chat records.
More importantly, employers are starting to hold employees accountable for misuse of IM chats. According to the AMA study, 13 percent of employers now retain IM business records, and 2 percent of workers have been fired for inappropriate IM chat.
So, my best advice is to fight the urge to discuss the last date with your girlfriend over IM and stick to business-related topics. Remember, this is business, it's not personal.
Q: Dear Seymour, I am a young professional who has been in the Logistics field for the last 10 years. I am now looking to relocate to a warmer climate such as GA or NC, but need to have employment first. Would it be smart to start dialogue with a staffing company in the area first?
-
A: Dear Logistics professional,
First and foremost, make sure you have narrowed down the market(s) where you want to live and work. Pay attention to cost of living and financial facts about the areas, as well as whether or not they offer you activities that interest you, such as parks, museums, sporting activities, etc.
Contacting a local staffing and recruiting company is certainly one step you could take to get the job hunt started, especially if you are want to relocate to an area of the country that you are unfamiliar with.
A staffing company can provide you with a wide array of opportunities, and the professional recruiters will know exactly which companies are in need of talent with your level experience.
Another suggestion would be to conduct some research about trade organizations and chapters located in the markets where you are looking to move. Not only do these organizations have searchable job boards and databases, but you can begin to make connections with people, and have contacts once you relocate to a new city.
You can also consider blogging. Industry blogs can open you up to a wide audience of colleagues all over the country. Someone might know someone in Georgia or the Carolinas, or a blogger may work for a company that has offices in those areas, and can point you in the right direction.
Good luck on your search, and enjoy soaking up the sun in your new surroundings!
Q: Dear Seymour, I can't seem to shake this nagging feeling that I am not in the right career for me. I just feel like it's time for a career switch. Any advice on making a very confusing and important decision more focused?
- Submitted by Erin Frederics, Lubbock, TX
A: Dear Erin,
If you wake up most nights anxious about which career path is right for you ... believe me, you're not alone. Contemplating switching careers is a big decision. It will have a major impact on your life and may even impact your family. Workers often find themselves overwhelmed or unsure of how to choose the right career or profession. As with anything in life, if you want to make your career change a successful one, make sure you prepare adequately before taking the leap.
While there are thousands of websites, books, counselors, professionals who can assist in this endeavor, here are the basic steps you should take and a few resources and tools to consider. Following these key steps will help you feel more organized and clear about the career change process.
Assess Yourself. How can you be sure a career is the best fit for you without understanding yourself first? Do a self-assessment of your interests, personality, values, preferred work environment and existing skills or talents. There are a variety of self-assessment tools that are tailored towards finding a career and are available at your local bookstore, online or even at your community library. Look for self-assessment resources that aid you in building a list of potential occupations.
Assess the Situation. Now that you've narrowed down the field of professions to ones that best suit you, your next step is to assess each of these occupations. Be prepared to spend some time researching each profession to understand the job's description, responsibilities, outlook in terms of future growth opportunities, required skills and/or training and of course, salary ranges. You can find this information on the internet, in bookstores, or libraries. Or, if you have friends or family members that work in the profession, ask to talk with them about it or shadow them at work.
Identify a Fit. Once you've done your self-evaluation and industry research, you should feel confident that you're making a well-thought out choice. However, to give you even more assurance in your decision, take the opportunity to explore the profession you've chosen. Try pursuing part-time work in your given career, or seek out volunteer or internship possibilities. These are low-commitment, low-risk ways to really understand the responsibilities and characteristics of a particular job.
After following all of these steps to choose a career path best suited to you, its time to direct your efforts towards landing your dream job! For advice and tools to aid your job search like writing a resume, or job interview techniques, visit our career center.
"Ten years ago, compiling a list of career-focused New Year resolutions may have just included a quick resume update and passing out a few business cards. Today, thanks to advances in technology, social networking and online recruitment, that list continues to grow. Check out other posts for tips on how to take advantage of online networking and job search tools this year.
Q: Dear Seymour, After several years of working for my current employer, I have decided to pursue another opportunity because of one reason only - my boss. Despite my dislike for my boss, I have worked hard and succeeded in my job. How can I leave without letting my bitterness towards my boss get the best of me?
- Submitted by Skip Wurhal, Arlington, VA
A: Dear Skip,
Despite all the hard work, commitment, loyalty and drive you've given to your employer, you've decided it's time to leave. While it sounds like the decision to quit your job may have been a difficult one, the choice to exit gracefully should be an easy one. Why wipe away a stellar track record and reputation with a bad exit? Don't let the challenges with your boss stand in the way of preserving your good work history, or worse, igniting a burning bridge.
Remember, last impressions can be just as important as first ones because they are... well, lasting. If you want your employer to serve as a future reference, or perhaps open new doors for you, here's my advice on how to leave with poise and dignity:
1) Provide ample notice. While the industry standard is to provide at least two weeks notice, many organizations have different expectations. Check your employee orientation or HR manuals just to be sure. And while the expectation is at least two weeks, the sooner you can alert your employer the better.
2) Put it in writing. It may not be a requirement, but it is always a smart idea to provide a letter of resignation. It should include expressions of appreciation for the opportunity to learn and grow, explain in broad terms why you are leaving, and include your final day of work.
3) Don't fall down on the job. It may be tempting to "slack off" once you've given notice, but avoid this temptation. Continue to work hard and be productive. And definitely don't begin calling in sick or use your final weeks to eat up vacation time.
4) Make the transition easy on your employer and your replacement. Leave as many projects or assignments completed as possible. Provide notes or other documentation that can help the next person pick up quickly and hit the ground running. Offer to help find and/or train your replacement.
5) Resist the urge to cast aspirations. Even if you have anger or bitterness towards your boss or others, do not take your departure as an opportunity to tell them how you feel. If you are asked in a formal exit interview or other manner to share your opinion, it is ok to offer your critique in a professional way that includes solutions or ideas to the problem.
6) Give thank you notes. Be sure to thank your employer and colleagues for all they have contributed to your career and growth. Also, it is important to be sure your employer and co-workers know how to reach you, and vice versa. Sustaining professional contacts and relationships is the best way to build your network.
Take these steps and you'll leave a lasting impression as impressive as your first.
"According to Spherion, an employer's culture and work environment is highly important to U.S. workers. Yet, many employees find themselves out of step when it comes to some key issues, such as dress code. If you feel like a fish out of water, you probably need to brush up on your company's policies so you can be noticed for your hard work and talent, not your fashion sense. Has this happened to you? Let us know...
Q: Dear Seymour, as I prepare to take time off for the holidays, I can't help but get anxious thinking about the piles of work that will await me when I return to the office. Do you have any advice to make leaving less stressful?
- Submitted by June Girst, Franklin, KY
A: Dear June,
Yes, its holiday season, a time when many workers exit the office to take a vacation or spend time with family. But along with flutters of excitement, many workers get stressed thinking about leaving projects behind or the pile of work sure to await their return. Here are five tips to take the worry out of leaving:
• Plan Ahead.
The best scenario is to schedule your holiday time off well in advance. This will provide you ample time to prepare both at work and at home.
• Prepare colleagues and coworkers.
Alert key contacts both within your organization and any outside clients you may work with on a regular basis. Make sure to give them ample notice of your vacation plans so they may tie up any loose ends or finish any important projects before you jump ship. Also, set up out-of-office alerts and change your voicemail to reflect your absence.
• Recruit a back-up.
If possible, designate someone in your department to be your backup while you are away for any emergencies or to maintain key aspects of your job. You should also ask this person to act as your contact person, giving them exact instructions as to how and when it is best to contact you (ideally, only for true emergencies). You might consider including your back-up's contact information on your voicemail and email messages.
• Complete unfinished projects.
There is nothing worse than leaving for holiday break with an unfinished project waiting in the wings. Chances are you'll think about it while you are away, and dread finishing it when you return. If you have projects or initiatives that are near completion and could be finished prior to your time off - then do it.
• Prepare for your return before you even leave.
Write down a list of projects or priorities for when you get back to the office. This will help you avoid feeling overwhelmed after your time off. Clean and organize your office - you don't want to arrive back to a cluttered office.
Taking time to prepare for your holiday break and your return to the office can go a long way in making your retreat an enjoyable one. And it should go without saying but we'll say it anyway - don't regularly check your email or call into the office unless you absolutely have to. Instead, relax and refuel.
Ever been forced to pay for a cake or gift for a person in your office that you don't even know? Or worse yet, have you ever been forced to pay for someone else's share?
As we catch up with the our friends in the latest episode of The Temp Life, we find that their officemates are up to their old tricks and trying to pull a fast one on Laura. However, the joke is on them when she doesn't take the bait.
Let us know if you've ever been in a similar situation and how you've handled it. We might even pay you $100 for your story. Want to catch up on other Temp Life episodes? Click here to access the Temp Life channel.
Q: Dear Seymour: I'm considering looking for a new job but I have heard that the holiday season is not a good time to begin my search. Should I wait until the New Year to begin my job search?
- Submitted by Olive Moya, Houston, TX
A: Dear Olive,
Many job seekers believe that it is impossible to schedule interviews with vacationing executives during the time between cutting the turkey and toasting in the New Year. However, what many people don't know is that looking for a new position during the holidays can give you a leg up on the competition.
Although a few executives are out of the office many are looking for a go getter like you. So while other job hunters may be off Christmas shopping, now is the time for you to kick your job search into high gear. Here are six reasons why 'tis the season to go job hunting:
1. In today's competitive business environment companies cannot afford to wait until the New Year to fill key positions. They are aggressively working with head hunters to help them find the right candidate.
2. Many companies have just received budget approval and will be looking to fill open positions in January. There may also be money left from last year's budget from open positions that were never filled, giving companies an incentive to use the money to fill the position or lose it.
4. While there are usually less job postings and want ads during this time of year, the ones that do appear are usually high priority jobs that need to be quickly filled by employers. Since fewer people read and respond to ads during this time, there is less competition than usual, which is to your advantage.
5. Get your name in-front of recruiters or networking contacts by sending them a holiday greeting card. It's a nice way to remind them of who you are and a great way to differentiate yourself from the pack.
6. Do you have a dream list of companies that you would love to work for? Set up informational interviews with executives over the phone or at lunch. Many of them have fewer meetings on their calendars during this time of the year and are more open to meeting with you to share information about the company and the kinds of skills that they value in their employees.
7. This is the time when temporary opportunities abound. You can use a temporary assignment to get your foot in the door and earn some extra holiday cash.
8. Attend as many holiday parties and socials as you can and focus on those events where you are likely to meet other business professionals. More people attend these events during the holiday season which will give you a wealth of new contacts who might aide your job search.
